Writing for Paddy Power, Ince said: "It will always be tough for Wayne Rooney to leave Manchester United for another club in the Premier League. But if he is going to leave the club for another English side, it has to be Everton.

Where could Wayne Rooney go after Manchester United?

WHICH team could Wayne Rooney join if he leaves Manchester United?

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Where could Wayne Rooney go after Manchester United?

“Everton would be the perfect move for him at this stage in his career”

Paul Ince on Man Utd star Wayne Rooney

"That’s where he comes from. That’s where his career started and where he first started to become one of the greatest players the Premier League has ever seen."

Ince added: "If he decided to go there, he’s going to a team with an excellent manager in a side that are pushing forwards and want to play good football.

"There are good players coming through and they are only looking onwards and upwards.

"A move back to Everton would also mean he could be the main man again.

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Paul Ince reckons Man Utd star Wayne Rooney should join Everton

"Like Zlatan is at Manchester United at the moment, he would be the leader. Young players would look up to him and the fans would welcome him back home."

Rooney has struggled for game-time this season and had to watch Sunday's EFL Cup final win over Southampton from the bench.

Ince insists the 31-year-old won't put up with his current bit-part role for much longer.

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Man United legend Wayne Rooney in action for Everton

He said: "Some players are happy to sit on the bench and watch the money come in.

"Wayne isn’t like that. It will be killing him not getting on the pitch.

"He didn’t get on the pitch last week in the League Cup final. Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard are now more likely to be picked ahead of him and that says it all.

"He’s only 31 years old. He has so much left to give and that would be wasted in the MLS or in China, but Everton would be the perfect move for him at this stage in his career."